Elementals: Ice Wolves (Elementals, 1)

Ice Wolves was an absolutely fun start to the Elementals trilogy. Introducing a very diverse cast of characters to an enriched world full of much promise.I want to first mention how diverse the cast is. It was very refreshing to see this especially in a middle grade series. All of the characters from LGBTQ+ to characters of color were handled very well. Anders is our primary focus throughout this story but we are also introduced to his twin Rayna. They are orphaned in the last great battle between the Ice Wolves and Scorch Dragons. One thing I adored was how strong the sibling bond is between Anders and Rayna. The side characters that we get are pretty good also. Each one has their own identity and quirk that makes them shine.I had so a fun time with the story and world as well. At first I thought this was just a world of Ice Wolves and Scorch Dragons but to read and find out their are other Elementals besides those two, AHHH, I want them all. I hope we get a glimpse of them at some point. The history so far has me very intrigued and I cannot wait to learn more. Although this story is not groundbreaking, it is fun and heartwarming. I love a good middle grade story and this was such a treat.Amie Kaufman did a great job on her first outing as a solo author and I look forward to the rest of the Elemental trilogy.

Twelve-year-old twins Anders and Rayna had always done everything together. Orphaned at a young age, they were living on the streets, surviving on their wits alone but the day the two transformed – Rayna into a scorch dragon and Anders into a wolf, was a terrifying one for them both. Supposedly it wasn’t possible to be siblings and be different forms, but it was there in front of them. As Rayna flew overhead, off and away, Anders despaired of ever seeing her again. Joining the Ulfar Academy and learning all he could about being the wolf he’d become had him hoping he could recue Rayna before the dreaded equinox rolled around…Ice Wolves is the 1st in the Elementals series by Aussie author Amie Kaufman and it was brilliant! Yes, it’s middle grade, but it’s intense, fast paced, thrilling and magical. The transformation from human to wolf was intriguing and well described, the same for the scorch dragons. Fire and ice – weapons of choice – dragons and wolves. I can’t wait to read the next in the series. Highly recommended.

With Ice Wolves, Amie Kaufman does exactly what an author should do—makes you wish that you had the next book in the series! I had great hopes for a book with dragons, transformations, and conflict between two races and, for the most part, those hopes were fulfilled. Rayna and Andres are two orphans, struggling to survive, who live in a turbulent society that is protected by humans who can morph into ice spear throwing wolves who battle fire-breathing human-to-dragon beings that kidnap children and create engineering marvels. Thrown into that mix is the fact that the twins inadvertently discover that they are a part of that elite shape-shifting group. Except that Rayna takes dragon form and Andres goes wolf, and according to everyone, siblings should not be able to take different forms. The country of Vallen that Kaufman creates has a rich history of war, inventions, and training for its shape-shifters. As several other reviewers mention, there are some holes and implausibilities in that history, but those can be overlooked as the pace and events of the book are exciting. I am anxious to see what develops with the volatile relationship between the two species, if the failing dragon/wolf created technology from Vallen’s past is restored, and what surprises will be revealed in the second installment of the Elementals series. I recommend this book to readers of fantasy books by Mull (Fablehaven and more) D’Lacey (Icefire), O’Hearn (Pegasus and Valkyrie), etc. Librarians of students in grades 5-9 will find this one exciting enough to interest the older in that range but with the absence of profanity, gory violence and sexual content it is appropriate for the younger end as well.

I loved the characters and how they developed throughout the series of books honestly, It’s what kept me reading them every night

Review from my 14 yr old son: One of the most exciting, action-filled books that I have ever read! Everyone that worked on the book did a great job and I highly recommend it for anyone into fantasy to read.

While I love to read middle grade novels myself, this was maybe not so high on my personal list. It was, however perfect for my teenager. A blend of his favorite fantasy elements and family friendly. Good narration made it a pleasure to listen to. Now he is clamoring for the rest of the series. Worthwhile for fans of Harry Potter, Adventure's Guild, or Percy Jackson.

Book arrived in perfect condition. Would not have even known it was used. And much more reasonable priced than brand new. This was a required reading choice for my son and he really enjoyed the book. He's glad to know that there will be more books to follow in this series.

This was a fun weekend read that quickly led to reading the second in the series. Imagine my disappointment when I realized Ms. Kaufman hadn't released book three yet. I hope you enjoy the world she created as much as I do.

Dieses Buch hallt immer noch in mir nach. Es ist wirklich eine tolle Story und ich kann es nur empfehlen zu lesen. Zum einen gefällt mir der flüssige spannende Schreibstil und zum anderen gefällt mir die Thematik sehr.

Ice Wolves is a thrilling read with multiple plot twists and lots of excitement. The characters feel realistic and the story flows well and the time skips make sense, I throughly enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to read the next one.

First part of an ongoing story and well crafted. Fantasy books can sometimes be disappointing but not this one. Great story line and holds your attention.

My teen son and I adored this book so much we rushed out to buy other titles by this author as soon as we finished it and were not disappointed. Well written, great characters and full of action and intrigue. One of my all time favourite books.

Loved the main powerful character who can spawn ice fire.